title: A DNA vaccine expressing ENV and GAG offers partial protection against reticuloendotheliosis virus in the prairie chicken (Tympanicus cupido).
abstract: Recurring infection of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), an avian oncogenic gammaretrovirus, has been a major obstacle in attempts to breed and release the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken (Tympanicus cupido attwateri). The aim of this study was to develop a DNA vaccine that protects the birds against REV infection. A plasmid was constructed expressing fusion proteins of REV envelope (env) and VP22 of Gallid herpesvirus 2 or REV gag and VP22. Birds vaccinated with these recombinant plasmids developed neutralizing antibodies; showed delayed replication of virus; and had significantly less infection of lymphocytes, specifically CD4+ lymphocytes. Although the vaccine did not prevent infection, it offered partial protection. Birds in field conditions and breeding facilities could potentially benefit from increased immunity when vaccinated.
authors.affiliation: College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, California 91766, USA. ydrechsler@westernu.edu
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Drechsler
authors.forename: Suzana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tkalcic
authors.forename: Miguel D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Saggese
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Shivaprasad
authors.forename: Dharani K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ajithdoss
authors.forename: Ellen W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Collisson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005260:Female; D046094:Galliformes; D015683:Gene Products, gag / Q000276:immunology*; D005814:Genes, Viral; D008297:Male; D017986:Reticuloendotheliosis Viruses, Avian / Q000276:immunology*; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral; D015683:Gene Products, gag; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D014765:Viral Vaccines